Finding Strength in God's Presence Amidst Struggles
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Charlotte Assembly of God! Today, we delved into the profound truths found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, where Paul speaks about the treasure we hold in our fragile, earthly bodies. Despite the pressures and challenges we face, we are not crushed, driven to despair, or abandoned by God. This passage reminds us that while life can be tough, the power within us, which comes from God, is greater than any external pressure.
I shared a personal story about receiving a series of Cal Ripken Jr. jerseys during a difficult time, which made me feel seen by God. This experience underscored the message that God sees and cares for each of us, even in our most trying times. We also explored the concept of discomfort versus true despair, using the analogy of airplane seating to illustrate how we often confuse minor discomforts with significant distress.
Paul's life, filled with immense challenges, serves as a testament to the fact that our present troubles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. We used a physical demonstration with weights to show that while life's burdens can feel heavy, they are light compared to the weight of eternal glory. This visual helped us understand that our struggles, though real and painful, are temporary and insignificant in the grand scheme of eternity.
We also touched on the importance of not letting our current discomforts steal our faith for the future. Instead, we should focus on the unseen, eternal promises of God. By remembering what God has already done in our lives, we can find strength and hope to face our current challenges. Finally, we were reminded that Jesus' presence is with us in every trial, and His promises are true and everlasting.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Sees Us in Our Struggles: Just as I felt seen by God through the gift of jerseys, we must remember that God sees and cares for us in our difficult times. This awareness can bring immense comfort and encouragement, reminding us that we are never alone. [38:58]
2. Discomfort vs. Despair: Life's discomforts, like being squeezed into a tight airplane seat, are not the same as true despair. We must differentiate between minor inconveniences and significant trials, understanding that discomfort is temporary and often leads to growth. [45:31]
3. Eternal Perspective on Suffering: Paul teaches us that our present troubles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope, knowing that our struggles are temporary and will be outweighed by eternal joy. [54:05]
4. Faith for the Future: We must not let our current discomforts steal our faith for the future. By focusing on the unseen, eternal promises of God, we can maintain hope and trust in His plan, even when life is challenging. [01:14:09]
5. Jesus' Presence in Trials: Jesus promises to be with us in every trial, providing comfort and strength. His presence far outweighs any challenge we face, and His promises are true and everlasting. We can find peace in knowing that He has overcome the world. [01:09:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:33] - Personal Story: Feeling Seen by God
[37:30] - Reading 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
[38:14] - The Gift of Jerseys
[38:58] - God Sees Us
[39:56] - The Treasure in Fragile Jars
[40:50] - Pressed but Not Crushed
[41:24] - Life's Pressures
[42:00] - Paul's Authority on Suffering
[43:00] - Personal Story: Flying Discomfort
[44:00] - First Class vs. Discomfort Class
[45:31] - Discomfort vs. Despair
[46:31] - Life's Challenges
[47:03] - Imagining a Life Without Discomfort
[48:05] - The Reality of Life's Struggles
[49:10] - Jesus' Promises
[50:15] - Take Heart: Jesus Overcame the World
[51:46] - Romans 15:13: Hope and Joy
[52:26] - Paul's Authority on Hope
[54:05] - Eternal Perspective on Suffering
[55:14] - Demonstration: Heavy vs. Light Weights
[56:02] - Life's Burdens
[57:25] - The Weight of Glory
[58:08] - Life is Light Compared to Eternity
[59:16] - Paul's Journey of Suffering
[01:00:17] - Paul's Perspective on Troubles
[01:01:19] - Paul's Sufferings
[01:02:24] - Take Heart: Jesus' Overcoming
[01:03:34] - Philippians 4:12: Living in Every Situation
[01:04:35] - Not Carrying the Weight Alone
[01:05:15] - Jesus Lifts Our Burdens
[01:06:30] - Demonstration: Jesus Bearing the Weight
[01:07:14] - The Lightness of Life's Burdens
[01:08:19] - The Glory That Awaits Us
[01:09:33] - Joshua 9: God's Presence in Trials
[01:10:34] - Be Strong and Brave
[01:11:39] - God's Presence in Every Situation
[01:12:34] - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: Light Afflictions
[01:13:25] - Faith for the Future
[01:14:09] - Do Not Let Discomfort Steal Your Faith
[01:15:30] - Living by Faith, Not Sight
[01:16:14] - Focusing on Jesus' Words
[01:17:30] - The Power of God's Word
[01:18:14] - Proverbs 30:5: God's Word Proves True
[01:19:30] - The Eternal Weight of Glory
[01:20:10] - Remembering God's Past Works
[01:21:00] - Psalms 103:2: Remembering God's Goodness
[01:21:52] - Encouragement from the Church Matriarch
[01:22:25] - Do Not Be Surprised by Trials
[01:23:25] - Discomfort Brings Supernatural Comfort
[01:24:47] - God's Plan and Purpose
[01:27:28] - Worship and Reflection
[01:32:58] - Waiting on the Lord
[01:34:44] - Prayer for Strength and Guidance
[01:36:38] - Special Anointing for Blessing
[01:37:07] - Prayer of Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by describing our bodies as "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4:7? How does this imagery help us understand our human frailty and the power of God within us?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, what are the four types of afflictions Paul mentions, and how does he describe our response to each one?
3. In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about receiving Cal Ripken Jr. jerseys. How did this experience make him feel seen by God? ([38:58])
4. The pastor used an analogy of airplane seating to differentiate between discomfort and true despair. What was the main point of this analogy? ([45:31])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our bodies as "jars of clay" change our perspective on the challenges and pressures we face in life? ([39:56])
2. Paul states that we are "afflicted in every way, but not crushed." What does this suggest about the nature of God's power in our lives during times of trouble? ([40:50])
3. The pastor mentioned that life's discomforts are temporary and often lead to growth. How can this perspective help us endure difficult situations? ([45:31])
4. Reflecting on the pastor's demonstration with weights, how does the concept of "eternal glory" outweighing our present troubles provide hope and encouragement? ([54:05])
### Application Questions
1. Think of a recent time when you felt overwhelmed by life's pressures. How can the knowledge that God sees and cares for you, as illustrated by the pastor's story, bring you comfort and encouragement? ([38:58])
2. How can you differentiate between minor discomforts and significant trials in your own life? What steps can you take to maintain a positive perspective during times of discomfort? ([45:31])
3. In what ways can you shift your focus from your current struggles to the eternal promises of God? How might this change your outlook on your present situation? ([54:05])
4. The pastor emphasized not letting current discomforts steal our faith for the future. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God's plan, even when facing challenges? ([01:14:09])
5. Jesus promises to be with us in every trial. How can you remind yourself of His presence and promises during difficult times? What specific actions can you take to seek His comfort and strength? ([01:09:33])
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in the past. How can remembering these moments help you face current or future challenges with hope and confidence? ([01:20:10])
7. How can you support others in your small group or community who are going through difficult times, ensuring they feel seen and cared for by God and by you? ([01:23:49])
Devotional
Day 1: God Sees Us in Our Struggles
Description:
In our most challenging times, it can be easy to feel overlooked or forgotten. However, the truth is that God sees us and cares deeply for us, even when we are going through difficult periods. This awareness can bring immense comfort and encouragement, reminding us that we are never alone. Just as the speaker felt seen by God through the unexpected gift of jerseys during a tough time, we too can find signs of God's presence and care in our lives. These moments serve as reminders that God is intimately aware of our struggles and is actively involved in our lives. [38:58]
Bible Passage:
"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:15-17, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent time when you felt unseen or forgotten. How did God show His presence and care for you during that time? Can you identify any signs or moments that reminded you of His love and attention?
Day 2: Discomfort vs. Despair
Description:
Life often presents us with various discomforts, but it is crucial to differentiate between minor inconveniences and true despair. Discomforts, like being squeezed into a tight airplane seat, are temporary and can often lead to personal growth. True despair, on the other hand, is a deep, overwhelming sense of hopelessness. By understanding this distinction, we can better navigate life's challenges and maintain a perspective that allows us to grow through discomfort rather than be overwhelmed by it. Recognizing that discomfort is a part of life helps us to build resilience and trust in God's plan for our growth and well-being. [45:31]
Bible Passage:
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a recent discomfort you experienced. How did you react to it? Reflect on how you can view this discomfort as an opportunity for growth and trust in God's plan for your life.
Day 3: Eternal Perspective on Suffering
Description:
Paul teaches us that our present troubles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope, knowing that our struggles are temporary and will be outweighed by eternal joy. By focusing on the eternal promises of God, we can find strength and hope to face our current challenges. This eternal perspective allows us to see our sufferings in a new light, understanding that they are part of a larger, divine plan that leads to eternal glory. [54:05]
Bible Passage:
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a current struggle you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the temporary pain to the eternal glory that God promises? What practical steps can you take to maintain this eternal perspective in your daily life?
Day 4: Faith for the Future
Description:
We must not let our current discomforts steal our faith for the future. By focusing on the unseen, eternal promises of God, we can maintain hope and trust in His plan, even when life is challenging. Remembering what God has already done in our lives can provide the strength and hope needed to face our current challenges. This faith for the future is built on the foundation of God's past faithfulness and His eternal promises, allowing us to trust Him even in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty. [01:14:09]
Bible Passage:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Hebrews 11:1-3, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when God has been faithful in your past. How can this memory strengthen your faith for the future? What are some specific promises of God that you can hold onto during challenging times?
Day 5: Jesus' Presence in Trials
Description:
Jesus promises to be with us in every trial, providing comfort and strength. His presence far outweighs any challenge we face, and His promises are true and everlasting. We can find peace in knowing that He has overcome the world and that His presence is with us in every situation. This assurance allows us to face our trials with confidence, knowing that we are not alone and that Jesus is walking with us every step of the way. [01:09:33]
Bible Passage:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you invite Jesus into this situation and rely on His presence for comfort and strength? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His promises and presence daily?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are pressed. Life presses against us, right? Sometimes finance is pressed. And then our health presses. And then our kids are wonderful. And it presses against us. And then HR calls us in and says redundancy. And you are fired. And we are pressed. And it is one thing to be pressed on one side. It is a whole other thing to be pressed on every single side. And yet it says we are pressed on every side by troubles. But we are not crushed. we are perplexed. But not driven to despair. We are hunted down. And I hope you are not being hunted down. But never abandoned by God. We get knocked down. And that reminds me of a 90s song. But I am not going to do it because it is church. But we are not destroyed." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus promises that we will have trials and tribulations. And struggles and difficulties. Diagnosis and bad days. Jesus says it is going to happen. But take heart because I have overcome the world. There is a part of me if I can be really honest and I am going to be. I didn't say this at the first service. I will say it to you. I don't know if this gives me courage. I have overcome the world. What does that mean? Right now in this moment I need something to happen that is not happening. And yet the truth is this. Jesus has overcome the world. And so even though we are promised. And we are assured difficult things and challenges. We know that Jesus has overcome. And because Jesus has overcome. No matter how uncomfortable life gets. We still have hope." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do not let discomfort take your faith for the future. I'll say it again. Do not let discomfort take your faith for the future. Scripture tells us to replace discomfort. Discouragement. Despair. With eyes to see the unseen. In other words. When the struggle comes. The disappointment is there. The bad news. We can have a faith for the future. Because this is temporary. And it's really this. And this is not forever. And there's still a future. So when you go through something that you don't want to go through. And we all go through things that we don't want to go through. If we've lived for two or three minutes. When we go through the challenges of this life that Jesus promised us. What we have to remember. Is we cannot let. What we're going through. Steal the hope that we have." (68 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because can I tell you something? It's easy for me to preach. It's very hard to live. I think you think I walk on water. And I do most of the time. But I've spent a lot of time crying in my car. And yet his word does not return void. And his word says. Take heart. I've overcome. The world. And this is but a moment. And this life is but a vapor. The real way. Is eternal. And that's what we focus on." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do not let discomfort surprise you. And cause despair. 1 Peter 4.12-13. Dear friends. Don't be surprised. At the fiery trials you're going through. As if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad. For. That's funny to me. But. For these trials make you partners with Christ. In his suffering. So that you will have the wonderful joy. Of seeing his glory. When it is revealed. To the world. Church we can expect challenges. But challenges should not surprise us. And challenges connect us to Christ. The discomfort we experience. Actually bring joy. In. The. End. Of it all." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want you to understand something that what we see there is really a true picture because what happens is, actually Jason, I am sorry. That was an accident. You got to come back. You got to come back. And you got to pick up this. You got to do it again. Do it again. So, grab this one and then grab that one. And then just hold them over your head just for a minute. This is what life feels like. When the finances aren't there to pay all the bills, it's heavy. Whenever we are rejected by somebody that is supposed to accept us and love us, they are heavy. Right? There are things that happen in our life and they are challenges and they are struggles and they are painful. Is that heavy? Right? That's not our best. I will let you keep holding them a little longer. Just don't hit your noggin because you got to get hair. That's how I lost my hair actually. Just kidding. And so, the truth of the matter is at some point. Life gets really, really heavy. But the truth of the matter is. Okay, put the one here and put the other one on the ground for me. Will you do that? So, what happens is the truth of the matter is life feels very heavy to us. It feels like it's unbearable. We can't carry the weight. It's just too much. What's happening in my family is just too much weight. What's happening at my job is just too much weight. And the reality is it's so easy for us to think that the things of this world are heavy. But what Scripture tells us. Grab the purple one. Hold that over your head. That this actually looks like life. Life is light. It isn't as heavy as you think it is. Because the truth of the matter. The truth of the matter. The truth of the matter is no matter what you go through. The struggle. The discomfort. The challenge that he promises you. It is lightweight compared to. Let's trade. Nice watch. It even matches. Compared to the weight of glory. And so what God is telling us is the weight of glory. What is eternal weighs way more than what is temporary. And that is good news." (144 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul is riding with authority. Because he has actually lived what he is telling us we live. He is telling us something we can do. Because he himself has done it. He knew something about finding hope in every single challenge. Paul was often in discomfort. He sat in 36B all the time. But Paul even in his discomfort was never in despair. That is how he can write 2 Corinthians 4 16-18. It says that is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying and our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small. And won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don't look at the troubles we can see now. Rather we fix our gaze on things that we cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone. But the things we cannot see will last forever. What he says to us is the problems we have now. They don't nearly weigh as much as the glory that is going to be in heaven." (92 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so we are spiritual people. And the flesh says hey it's too heavy. You need to give up. God's not who he says he is. Why are you still going to church? But the spirit of God says it's this not this. And so what do we do? We focus our eyes on Jesus' words. Not the world's problems. Yeah we can clap. But that's hard to do. When the problem is front and center. When the problem is here and it seems like the word is here. I love Jesus. I'm actually Reverend Shane Bryant ordained. A degree in counseling. I don't counsel. Don't come to me. You don't want it. Trust me. Because it's not a master's. It's undergrad. There's times where people quote the word of God. When the problem. And I'm like just stop. But watch this. When we focus. On the word of God. Instead of the world's problems. We are taking something that is heavy. And we are making it light. Because what scripture tells us. Is that his words do not return void. And his words. Do not pass away." (95 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Put your eyes on what Jesus has already done. Not on what is not being done. I do this all the time. All the time. All the time. I've been kayaking. And I've been like. Seeing like how fast I can kayak. And I don't know why I do dumb things. I'm just. I reach. Like my mind. My hands hurt. I had to order these special gloves with pads. Because I'm like. And I'm like. And I'm like passing people. Who are just floating down. And I'm like. They're like. You're crazy. I'm like. No I'm not. I don't want to be a wimp like you. No I'm just kidding. So I. Shouldn't have said that. It's in those moments. I remind myself. God. You did this. God. You did that. God. You let this little kid. Pastor a church of 500 people. I remember when you healed me there. I remember when you brought that. Employee to us. And I just go back. And remember. And when I. When I. I don't know. I'm so emotional. Because I wasn't at first service. So sorry. When I remember. What God has done. It takes the heavy. And it makes it light. And that's where I put my focus." (95 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to say something so simple, but I don't want to insult you. Because we trust Jesus. Because we trust Jesus. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. And I'm sorry for what you're going through. And yet God says it's but a moment. And it's lightweight compared to the heavy weight of eternity. I've never done this before, but Sister Silvis is the person to talk to. Because you will leave filled with hope. Can we sing this one time? Then I'm going to pray for you. Just all across the room. Just all across the room. Those of you at home, join us. Just sing it one time. Do we really believe that? Or is it just a song? Is it just words on a screen? Even if it's a T-Rex, just would you lift your hands? Yes I want to wait three more minutes I know what time it is I know you do too But Would you just lift your hands one more time And I feel like we're just supposed to wait Complete silence Until I give you the thumbs up just want to be obedient to the Lord Just on him for Strength comes From waiting on him." (433 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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